Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Ice Central hailed huge success

06 December 2016

THE Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Ice Central has been hailed a huge success after more than 4,000 people got their skates on during the nine-day event.

A total of 4,166 took to the ice as the highlight of the Council’s winter program proved hugely popular.

It was Barry’s first ever ice rink, located adjacent to the Town Hall, and many skating sessions sold-out, far surpassing organisers’ expectations.

Gates opened at Ice Central on Saturday, November 25 after the festive illuminations came to life in King Square.

It remained there until last Sunday, offering seasonal food, drinks, live music and a family-friendly skating experience.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Education, said: “A lot of work went on behind the scenes at Ice Central. We are delighted that effort has paid off and the event proved such a resounding success. Barry got its first ever ice rink and Vale residents really responded to it, the whole King Square area was buzzing. We will now explore the possibility of making Ice Central even bigger and better next year.”

John Davies, Director of Operations for rink suppliers 11th-hour Events, said: “I feel for a first real ice rink in Barry this has far surpassed our expectations. Needless to say we consider Barry to be a huge success. We were pretty much sold out on all evening and weekend sessions. All our staff worked incredibly hard to process the bookings and tickets, exchange skates and shoes, and also to maintain the ice surface for skaters to enjoy.
“Many people returned and returned and we soon got to know our regular customers. We thank them for their support and for making the event such a success. We feel that Ice Central has a huge potential to grow and expand.”